What is this

[mathew stouffer]

I see these located in the HVAC return air vents of newer homes. This place was built in 07.

[John Arnold]

Security system alarm?

[A.D. Miller]

Yep, siren for the security alarm.

[H.G. Watson, Sr.]

What's that in the left of the first photo running vertically? Pex & electrical? The cable running horizontally is that one or two cables?

I'd expect better lined return and cleaner for 2007 construction, looks dirty enough and about the "speed" of a circa '67 return:mad: with perhaps a retrofit larger return grate maybe 2 years old. More than one story over the basement or crawl?

[mathew stouffer]

built in 07, over a crawl space with the joist cavity used for the return.

[mathew stouffer]

That is pex with what I think was AV cable around it

[H.G. Watson, Sr.]

That is pex with what I think was AV cable around it

Sigh... lots of nail penetrations from the otherside too.:(

[David Bell]

Let's sum it up as a piss poor installation of both hvac and security systems. If this is the standard in your area you have some great job security

[mathew stouffer]

What's in this photo is the least of the worries for this place. There was no insulation in the attic space which was probably about 7000sq ft, some of which is not accessible. There is a msytery drain terminating in the crawl space. Check this out HG, any thoughts? Fire suppression system is leaking, and the exterior needs to be stained. But it was a real steal, only 1.2million.:)

[David Bell]

Guessing there is a floor drain in either a laundry or bathroom above

[Billy Stephens]

There is a msytery drain terminating in the crawl space.
.
Looks like a Whole House Vacuum Tube.
.

[Jerry Peck]

Looks like a perforated underground drain line, but from what or where is unknown.

Possible suction inlet for a do-it-yourself radon mitigation system?

[H.G. Watson, Sr.]

I can't make out anything but blackness in the left photo and the right in the foreground I too can only make out what appears to be modern drain tube (french drain, foudation drain) I see two unattached ends but due to poor contrast am not sure if seeing both ends of a semi coil singular piece or two different pieces laying upon the crushed rock.

Perhaps it lingers after having been hooked up to a pump to empty the crawl of standing water.

Sounds like it could be an expensive pusher, or should I say burner;) .

[mathew stouffer]

The pipe comes in through the foundation wall and terminates into the crawl space. I am not sure what it's for, but I am guess the other end is attached to a floor drain on the patio.

[Jerry Peck]

There is a msytery drain terminating in the crawl space.


I am not sure what it's for, but I am guess the other end is attached to a floor drain on the patio.

I think you have a better handle on the mystery drain and that it is no longer a mystery.

[mathew stouffer]

Just wanted a second opinion, you never know what's going on these days:)

[Rick Cantrell]

Mathew
As others have said, siren for a burglar alarm.
Improperly installed. Wires or device are not rated to be in duct work.